We strive for 100% customer satisfaction. If we fell short, please tell us more so we can address your concerns. Medical Author: John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP Halitosis What Is Bad Breath? Symptoms What Are Symptoms of Bad Breath? Diagnosis How Is Bad Breath Diagnosed? How to Get Rid of Bad Breath What Is the Treatment for Bad Breath? Bad breath (halitosis) is an embarrassing problem of undesirable odor coming from the mouth. Causes of bad breath include bacteria in the mouth, dry mouth, gum disease, medical conditions, food, smoking, and stress.
When you clean away plaque, you get rid of these bacteria. When you get rid of these bacteria, you stop the production of smelly gases that make up bad breath. The problem is that many people do not clean away plaque adequately and/or consistently.
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1. Peppermint oil: Peppermint oil has a refreshing scent and can help freshen breath. It has antimicrobial properties that can kill bacteria in the mouth. You can add a few drops of peppermint oil to water and use it as a mouthwash or add it to your toothpaste.
For decades after Listerine first hit the market in the 1880s, it was kind of a jack-of-all trades product. Originally invented as a surgical antiseptic (and named after the founding father of antiseptics, Dr. Joseph Lister), its uses were varied—they including foot cleaning, floor scrubbing and gonorrhea treating.
Smoking or chewing tobacco is terrible for your health, but it’s also terrible for your breath. They dehydrate your mouth and cause residue that causes smells long after use.
Let’s get one thing straight right off the bat: no one is claiming that Listerine invented bad breath. Human mouths have stunk for millennia, and there are ancient breath freshening solutions to prove it. But, as Esther Inglis-Arkell writes at io9, in more modern days, advertisements for Listerine transformed halitosis from a bothersome personal imperfection into an embarrassing medical condition that urgently required treatment. Treatment that—conveniently—the company wanted to sell.
If you suspect that your medication is causing bad breath, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider. They may be able to adjust your dosage or prescribe an alternative medication that does not have the same side effect. It is important to never stop taking prescribed medications without consulting a healthcare professional.
While some treatments for halitosis can be done at home, the dentist can be a great source of advice and information. If you’re having trouble treating halitosis, visit Turtle Creek Dental Associates and put an end to bad breath. Your dentist will give you a thorough examination to determine the cause of your bad breath, and help you take steps to end it. (214) 953-0906 3131 Turtle Creek Blvd, Suite 1000, Dallas, TX 75219 Notice of Privacy Practices Privacy Policy Terms of Use
Bad breath, medically called halitosis, can result from poor dental health habits and may be a sign of other health problems. Bad breath can also be made worse by the types of foods you eat and other unhealthy lifestyle habits. You can take steps to prevent and treat halitosis, at home and with the help of your dentist or doctor.
Surgery for tonsil stones is often controversial. Dental care services suggest the surgery only when the case is severe, chronic, and other methods have failed.
Products specifically for dry mouth like Biotene, can be used to help prevent bad breath in these cases.
St. Louis Sinus Center has solutions for allergies, sinus, and snoring problems that help you live more comfortably. For more information on our services, call our St. Louis or Festus office.
Keep the mouth moist by drinking water and chewing sugarless gum or sugar-free hard candy to stimulate the production of saliva. Mouthwash may temporarily mask bad breath odors, but it may not treat the underlying cause.
4. Refer You to Your Medical Doctor – When all oral causes of bad breath have been ruled out or repaired, we will work with your medical doctor to help you solve persistent bad breath. Some patients will need to see an ear, nose and throat specialist (ENT) to address chronic sinus or throat infections. Others need help from a gastroenterologist (GI specialist) for issues in the stomach and/or esophagus.
With proper treatment and prevention methods, halitosis can be cured within a short period. For bad breath associated with pathologic diseases, the prognosis depends on the severity and treatment of the underlying condition.
Bad breath in babies or young children may be a sign of infection or undiagnosed medical problems. Consult the child's doctor or dentist if an infant or young child has bad breath. A complete medical and dental history should be taken. The patient will be asked about their bad breath problem, dietary habits, tobacco use, medications, medical conditions, and family history.A dentist will examine the patient's mouth. X-rays may be taken, and periodontal charting may be done to determine if the odor is due to gum disease.
When bacteria interact with the trapped debris in the tonsil crypts, they can produce volatile sulfur compounds, which have a strong odor. These compounds are responsible for the foul smell associated with bad breath. The presence of tonsil stones can exacerbate this process, leading to persistent bad breath.